TEAM GB DRESS TO IMPRESS FOR BUCKINGHAM PALACE CELEBRATION

Team GB dressed to impress yesterday as they visited Buckingham Palace for a reception with the Queen and members of the Royal Family in celebration of their success at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The medal-winning athletes were invited to the Palace to commemorate their achievements which together resulted in Great Britain’s best ever Olympic Games.

They were each given a navy blue British wool suit fit to meet Royalty by Simon Jersey. The company also provided the outfits athletes wore in the Closing Parade – complete with famous flashing red, white and blue shoes.

The suits include design features that nod to the athletes’ success including gold buttons embossed with the lion’s head logo and a red lining that features messages of support from children around the country.

They were designed collaboratively with senior Team GB staff as well as current and former athletes, giving them the opportunity to have their say on what they wanted to wear.

James Saunders, managing director for Simon Jersey, said: “Our whole team was glued to their TV screens throughout the Olympic Games, so it’s a really proud moment for us to have dressed the athletes for their Royal celebration.

“Coming up with a design that makes every athlete look their best, from the smallest to the tallest, was no easy task but the athletes gave us great feedback in terms of what they wanted. We’re thrilled with how they looked.”

Mark England, chef de mission of Team GB for Rio 2016, said: “Simon Jersey have done a fantastic job designing our formal wear for events in celebration of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

“We had great feedback from athletes and with the good luck messages sewn into the lining I am sure that the team will wear their suits with pride.”